Study of advanced English learners' development of active vocabulary found that the need for greater vocabulary influenced subjects with sufficient communicative competence and no explicit vocabulary instruction to enrich their lexicon. (34 references) (CB)

The concepts of language acquisition and interlanguage as they relate to second language teaching methods are discussed. The aim of such teaching should be error-free communicative competence. Formal teaching is not enough to ensure a high level of proficiency. (CB)

The knowledge of foreign languages must be based on reasoning and logical insight, and second language instruction must move from the pragmatically based courses of recent years towards a new approach in which language is seen as a means to action, and where analysis, synthesis, and correct use will occupy a central position. (CB)

A review of literature regarding the communicative approach to language teaching discusses achievements and problems with this approach, language learning and the social self, speech and cognition, and reactive and proactive initiative. The need to develop language learning environments which will enhance proactive initiative and self-reliance in…

Activities which focus on form and communicative outcome are suggested for developing accuracy and fluency in second language students. Examples of such activities (with focus on the English as a second language learner) that vary the circumstances of communication in the classroom are presented. (Author/CB)

Considers the degree to which scientifically acquired knowledge about language can be used in the design and execution of language teaching programs. Second language learners should become fluent speakers when they are exposed to copious linguistic data and have adequate opportunity for interaction in the language with other speakers. (CB)

Use of a seminar technique to improve the oral English communicative competence of Chinese postgraduate students in science and technology helped the students to learn foreign culture, science, and technology, as well as the foreign language, and helped them to lose their communication apprehension. (Author/CB)

256 undergraduate students of Spanish responded to questionnaire concerning their: (1) experiences with Spanish and other languages in and out of the classroom; (2) comfort level in various aspects of using Spanish; and (3) motivation for taking Spanish courses. A significant relationship was drawn between student's outside experience and his or…

Describes and assesses current and past communicative language learning exercises used by the Foreign Service Institute's Russian Program to "break down" classroom walls with activities encouraging language acquisition, including immersion experiences, internships, speaking tracks, and language/area integration. Sample activities are…

Learning a language is more than understanding grammar and being able to complete drills and exercises correctly. Other practice and activities which improve communications skills must be incorporated into language classrooms. (CB)

An exploration of the effectivenes of college overseas study programs on improvement of foreign language skills addresses student motivation, academic expectations, curricular changes, language pledge requirements, communication with native speakers, and the purpose and image of study abroad programs. Suggestions are made for improving…

This paper describes a technique for giving ESL (English as a second language) students with rather limited English ability an opportunity to talk on a regular basis. The technique takes into consideration: (1) the time limitations of the classroom; (2) the tendency of some students to dominate discussion and the need for giving others…